Jean-Michel Dugoujon

Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

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Publications (42)211.1 Total impact

  • Article: The Hmong Diaspora: Preserved South-East Asian genetic ancestry in French Guianese Asians.
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    ABSTRACT: The Hmong Diaspora is one of the widest modern human migrations. Mainly localised in South-East Asia, the United States of America, and metropolitan France, a small community has also settled the Amazonian forest of French Guiana. We have biologically analysed 62 individuals of this unique Guianese population through three complementary genetic markers: mitochondrial DNA (HVS-I/II and coding region SNPs), Y-chromosome (SNPs and STRs), and the Gm allotypic system. All genetic systems showed a high conservation of the Asian gene pool (Asian ancestry: mtDNA=100.0%; NRY=99.1%; Gm=96.6%), without a trace of founder effect. When compared across various Asian populations, the highest correlations were observed with Hmong-Mien groups still living in South-East Asia (Fst<0.05; P-value<0.05). Despite a long history punctuated by exodus, the French Guianese Hmong have maintained their original genetic diversity.
    Comptes rendus biologies 10/2012; 335(10-11):698-707. · 1.71 Impact Factor
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    Article: Reconstructing Native American population history.
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    ABSTRACT: The peopling of the Americas has been the subject of extensive genetic, archaeological and linguistic research; however, central questions remain unresolved. One contentious issue is whether the settlement occurred by means of a single migration or multiple streams of migration from Siberia. The pattern of dispersals within the Americas is also poorly understood. To address these questions at a higher resolution than was previously possible, we assembled data from 52 Native American and 17 Siberian groups genotyped at 364,470 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Here we show that Native Americans descend from at least three streams of Asian gene flow. Most descend entirely from a single ancestral population that we call 'First American'. However, speakers of Eskimo-Aleut languages from the Arctic inherit almost half their ancestry from a second stream of Asian gene flow, and the Na-Dene-speaking Chipewyan from Canada inherit roughly one-tenth of their ancestry from a third stream. We show that the initial peopling followed a southward expansion facilitated by the coast, with sequential population splits and little gene flow after divergence, especially in South America. A major exception is in Chibchan speakers on both sides of the Panama isthmus, who have ancestry from both North and South America.
    Nature 07/2012; 488(7411):370-4. · 36.28 Impact Factor
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    Article: Reconstructing Native American population history
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    ABSTRACT: The peopling of the Americas has been the subject of extensive genetic, archaeological and linguistic research; however, central questions remain unresolved 1–5 . One contentious issue is whether the settlement occurred by means of a single 6–8 migration or multiple streams of migration from Siberia 9–15 . The pattern of dispersals within the Americas is also poorly understood. To address these questions at a higher resolution than was previously possible, we assembled data from 52 Native American and 17 Siberian groups genotyped at 364,470 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Here we show that Native Americans descend from at least three streams of Asian gene flow. Most descend entirely from a single ancestral population that we call 'First American'. However, speakers of Eskimo–Aleut languages from the Arctic inherit almost half their ancestry from a second stream of Asian gene flow, and the Na-Dene-speaking Chipewyan from Canada inherit roughly one-tenth of their ancestry from a third stream. We show that the initial peopling followed a southward expansion facilitated by the coast, with sequential population splits and little gene flow after divergence, especially in South America. A major exception is in Chibchan speakers on both sides of the Panama isthmus, who have ancestry from both North and South America. The settlement of the Americas occurred at least 15,000 years ago through Beringia, a land bridge between Asia and America that existed during the ice ages 1–5 . Most analyses of Native American genetic diversity have examined single loci, particularly mitochondrial DNA or the Y chromosome, and some interpretations of these data model the settlement of America as a single migratory wave from Asia 6–8 . We assembled native population samples from Canada to the southern tip of South America, genotyped them on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays, and merged our data with six other data sets. The combined data set consists of 364,470 SNPs genotyped in 52 Native American populations (493 samples; Fig. 1a and Supplementary Table 1), 17 Siberian populations (245 samples; Supplementary Fig. 1 and Supplementary Table 2) and 57 other populations (1,613 samples) (Supplementary Notes). A complication in studying Native American genetic history is admixture with European and African immigrants since 1492. Cluster analysis 16 shows that many of the samples we examined have some non-native admixture (an average of 8.5%; Fig. 1b and Supplementary Tables 1 and 3). This admixture is a challenge for learning about the historical relationships among the populations, and to address this complication we used three independent approaches. First, we restricted analyses to 163 Native Americans from 34 populations without evidence of admixture (Supplementary Notes). Second, we subtracted the expected contribution of European and African ancestry to the statistics we used to learn about population relation-ships (Supplementary Notes). Third, we inferred the probability of non-native ancestry at each genomic segment and 'masked' segments with more than a negligible probability of this ancestry (Fig. 1b,
    Nature 07/2012; · 36.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Apolipoprotein E/C1/C4/C2 gene cluster diversity in two native Andean populations: Aymaras and Quechuas.
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    ABSTRACT: The APOE/C1/C4/C2 gene cluster presents high relevance in lipid metabolism and, therefore, has important epidemiological implications. Here, we study for the first time the variation patterns of 25 polymorphisms (10 short tandem repeats, STRs, and 15 single nucleotide polymorphismas, SNPs) in two native Andean samples from Bolivia (45 Aymaras and 45 Quechuas) as well as one European sample (n = 41) as external reference. We estimated diversity parameters, linkage disequilibrium patterns, population structure, and possible selective effects. In general, diversity was low and could be partly attributed to selection (probably due to its physiological importance), since the APOE/C1/C4/C2 region was highly conserved compared to the flanking genes in both Bolivians and Europeans. Moreover, the lower gene diversity in Bolivians compared to Europeans for some markers might indicate different demographic histories. Regarding the APOE isoforms, in addition to ɛ3 (94%) and ɛ4 (5%), isoform ɛ2 (1%) was also detected in Bolivians. In relation to previous hypotheses, our results support that genetic drift or founder effects rather than selection for increased cholesterol absorption are the main factors that have shaped the distribution of APOE isoforms observed in South America.
    Annals of Human Genetics 07/2012; 76(4):283-95. · 2.57 Impact Factor
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    Article: PopAffiliator: online calculator for individual affiliation to a major population group based on 17 autosomal short tandem repeat genotype profile.
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    ABSTRACT: Because of their sensitivity and high level of discrimination, short tandem repeat (STR) maker systems are currently the method of choice in routine forensic casework and data banking, usually in multiplexes up to 15-17 loci. Constraints related to sample amount and quality, frequently encountered in forensic casework, will not allow to change this picture in the near future, notwithstanding the technological developments. In this study, we present a free online calculator named PopAffiliator ( http://cracs.fc.up.pt/popaffiliator ) for individual population affiliation in the three main population groups, Eurasian, East Asian and sub-Saharan African, based on genotype profiles for the common set of STRs used in forensics. This calculator performs affiliation based on a model constructed using machine learning techniques. The model was constructed using a data set of approximately fifteen thousand individuals collected for this work. The accuracy of individual population affiliation is approximately 86%, showing that the common set of STRs routinely used in forensics provide a considerable amount of information for population assignment, in addition to being excellent for individual identification.
    Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 09/2011; 125(5):629-36. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Y-STR genetic diversity in autochthonous Andalusians from Huelva and Granada provinces (Spain).
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    ABSTRACT: Seventeen Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) were analyzed in 347 healthy, unrelated, autochthonous males from the Andalusian provinces of Huelva (N=167) and Granada (N=180). AmpFlSTR Y-filer PCR Amplification kit (Applied Biosystems) was used to type the Y-STR markers. A total of 156 and 166 different haplotypes for the 17 Y-STR set were detected in Huelva, and Granada, respectively. The same haplotype diversity was found for both samples (0.998±0.001), and the overall discrimination capacity was 0.904. The most common minimal haplotype (DYS19, DYS389 I, DYS389 II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393) in both subpopulations was 14-13-16-24-11-13-13, which is also the most frequent haplotype among Atlantic European populations. Comparison analysis using pairwise R(ST) values and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed a significant genetic distance between our Andalusian samples and other ones from the northern Iberian fringe (including Basque and Pyrenean populations). However, results from the multi-dimensional scaling analysis (MDS) yielded a well-defined group of Iberian populations separated from the other Mediterranean clusters observed.
    Forensic science international. Genetics 06/2011; 6(2):e66-71. · 2.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Immunogenetics as a tool in anthropological studies.
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    ABSTRACT: The genes coding for the main molecules involved in the human immune system--immunoglobulins, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR)--exhibit a very high level of polymorphism that reveals remarkable frequency variation in human populations. 'Genetic marker' (GM) allotypes located in the constant domains of IgG antibodies have been studied for over 40 years through serological typing, leading to the identification of a variety of GM haplotypes whose frequencies vary sharply from one geographic region to another. An impressive diversity of HLA alleles, which results in amino acid substitutions located in the antigen-binding region of HLA molecules, also varies greatly among populations. The KIR differ between individuals according to both gene content and allelic variation, and also display considerable population diversity. Whereas the molecular evolution of these polymorphisms has most likely been subject to natural selection, principally driven by host-pathogen interactions, their patterns of genetic variation worldwide show significant signals of human geographic expansion, demographic history and cultural diversification. As current developments in population genetic analysis and computer simulation improve our ability to discriminate among different--either stochastic or deterministic--forces acting on the genetic evolution of human populations, the study of these systems shows great promise for investigating both the peopling history of modern humans in the time since their common origin and human adaptation to past environmental (e.g. pathogenic) changes. Therefore, in addition to mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome, microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms and other markers, immunogenetic polymorphisms represent essential and complementary tools for anthropological studies.
    Immunology 06/2011; 133(2):143-64. · 3.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: Combined effects of Gm or Km immunoglobulin allotypes and age on antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum VarO rosetting variant in Benin.
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    ABSTRACT: Clinical protection of Beninese children against Plasmodium falciparum malaria was shown to be influenced by immunoglobulin (IG) Gm and Km allotypes, and related to seroreactivity with the rosette-forming VarO-antigenic variant. IgG to the VarO-infected erythrocyte surface, IgG1 and IgG3 to PfEMP1-NTS-DBL1α(1)-VarO were higher in the under 4-year-old children carrying the Gm 5,6,13,14;1,17 phenotype. In contrast, surface-reactive IgG, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG3 to NTS-DBL1α(1)- and DBL2βC2-VarO domains were lower in the above 4-year-old children harbouring the Km1 allotype. These data outline an age-related association of antibodies against malaria antigens and IG allotype distribution.
    Microbes and Infection 04/2011; 13(8-9):771-5. · 3.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: mtDNA and Y-chromosome diversity in Aymaras and Quechuas from Bolivia: different stories and special genetic traits of the Andean Altiplano populations.
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    ABSTRACT: Two Bolivian samples belonging to the two main Andean linguistic groups (Aymaras and Quechuas) were studied for mtDNA and Y-chromosome uniparental markers to evaluate sex-specific differences and give new insights into the demographic processes of the Andean region. mtDNA-coding polymorphisms, HVI-HVII control regions, 17 Y-STRs, and three SNPs were typed in two well-defined populations with adequate size samples. The two Bolivian samples showed more genetic differences for the mtDNA than for the Y-chromosome. For the mtDNA, 81% of Aymaras and 61% of Quechuas presented haplogroup B2. Native American Y-chromosomes were found in 97% of Aymaras (89% hg Q1a3a and 11% hg Q1a3*) and 78% of Quechuas (100% hg Q1a3a). Our data revealed high diversity values in the two populations, in agreement with other Andean studies. The comparisons with the available literature for both sets of markers indicated that the central Andean area is relatively homogeneous. For mtDNA, the Aymaras seemed to have been more isolated throughout time, maintaining their genetic characteristics, while the Quechuas have been more permeable to the incorporation of female foreigners and Peruvian influences. On the other hand, male mobility would have been widespread across the Andean region according to the homogeneity found in the area. Particular genetic characteristics presented by both samples support a past common origin of the Altiplano populations in the ancient Aymara territory, with independent, although related histories, with Peruvian (Quechuas) populations.
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology 04/2011; 145(2):215-30. · 2.82 Impact Factor
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    Article: The imprint of the Slave Trade in an African American population: mitochondrial DNA, Y chromosome and HTLV-1 analysis in the Noir Marron of French Guiana.
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    ABSTRACT: Retracing the genetic histories of the descendant populations of the Slave Trade (16th-19th centuries) is particularly challenging due to the diversity of African ethnic groups involved and the different hybridisation processes with Europeans and Amerindians, which have blurred their original genetic inheritances. The Noir Marron in French Guiana are the direct descendants of maroons who escaped from Dutch plantations in the current day Surinam. They represent an original ethnic group with a highly blended culture. Uniparental markers (mtDNA and NRY) coupled with HTLV-1 sequences (env and LTR) were studied to establish the genetic relationships linking them to African American and African populations. All genetic systems presented a high conservation of the African gene pool (African ancestry: mtDNA = 99.3%; NRY = 97.6%; HTLV-1 env = 20/23; HTLV-1 LTR = 6/8). Neither founder effect nor genetic drift was detected and the genetic diversity is within a range commonly observed in Africa. Higher genetic similarities were observed with the populations inhabiting the Bight of Benin (from Ivory Coast to Benin). Other ancestries were identified but they presented an interesting sex-bias. Whilst male origins spread throughout the north of the bight (from Benin to Senegal), female origins were spread throughout the south (from the Ivory Coast to Angola). The Noir Marron are unique in having conserved their African genetic ancestry, despite major cultural exchanges with Amerindians and Europeans through inhabiting the same region for four centuries. Their maroon identity and the important number of slaves deported in this region have maintained the original African diversity. All these characteristics permit to identify a major origin located in the former region of the Gold Coast and the Bight of Benin; regions highly impacted by slavery, from which goes a sex-biased longitudinal gradient of ancestry.
    BMC Evolutionary Biology 10/2010; 10:314. · 3.52 Impact Factor
  • Article: French Guiana Amerindian demographic history as revealed by autosomal and Y-chromosome STRs.
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    ABSTRACT: Background: Previous investigations of French Guiana Amerindians performed by this group included blood group and protein genetic markers, mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome investigations. Molecular autosomal data and more extensive Y-chromosome determinations were lacking. Subjects and methods: The genetic variability of 15 autosome (ASTRs) and 17 Y-chromosome (YSTRs) microsatellite loci was studied in four French Guiana (Emerillon, Palikur, Wayampi, Kali'na) and one Brazilian (Apalai) Amerindian populations. A sixth group, the Peruvian Matsiguenga of the Maipurean linguistic family, was included in the data analysis since they could provide information about the past migration of people from that linguistic stock into northeastern Amazonia. Results: Marked ASTR and YSTR variability was found, with 96% of the YSTR haplotypes being found in one population only. There was excellent agreement between the present and previous autosomal or uniparental results. Multidimensional scaling based on F(ST) genetic distances and population structure analysis revealed heterogeneity in gene distribution, with a clear difference between the Matsiguenga and Emerillon and the other groups. In the latter, Wilcoxon sign-rank test between observed and expected heterozygosity and the mode of allele frequency distribution revealed clues of a significant past genetic bottleneck. The Wayampi stand genetically closer to the Apalai, Palikur and Kali'na when examined for the autosome but not the Y-chromosome panel of markers, suggesting preferential female gene flow. Conclusion: The new data provided additional important information about the biological history of people from a remote South American region, indicating how gene diversity analyses can be used to increase understanding of human microevolutionary processes.
    Annals of Human Biology 10/2010; 38(1):76-83. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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    Article: Contrasting Patterns of Nuclear and mtDNA Diversity in Native American Populations
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    ABSTRACT: We report an integrated analysis of nuclear (autosomal, X- and Y-chromosome) short tandem repeat (STR) data and mtDNA D-loop sequences obtained in the same set of 22 Native populations from across the Americas. A north to south gradient of decreasing population diversity was observed, in agreement with a settlement of the Americas from the extreme northwest of the continent. This correlation is stronger with “least cost distances,” which consider the coasts as facilitators of migration. Continent-wide estimates of population structure are highest for the Y-chromosome and lowest for the autosomes, consistent with the effective size of the different marker systems examined. Population differentiation is highest in East South America and lowest in Meso America and the Andean region. Regional analyses suggest a deviation from mutation–drift equilibrium consistent with population expansion in Meso America and the Andes and population contraction in Northwest and East South America. These data hint at an early divergence of Andean and non-Andean South Americans and at a contrasting demographic history for populations from these regions.
    Annals of Human Genetics 09/2010; 74(6):525 - 538. · 2.57 Impact Factor
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    Article: Human Y chromosome haplogroup R-V88: a paternal genetic record of early mid Holocene trans-Saharan connections and the spread of Chadic languages.
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    ABSTRACT: Although human Y chromosomes belonging to haplogroup R1b are quite rare in Africa, being found mainly in Asia and Europe, a group of chromosomes within the paragroup R-P25(*) are found concentrated in the central-western part of the African continent, where they can be detected at frequencies as high as 95%. Phylogenetic evidence and coalescence time estimates suggest that R-P25(*) chromosomes (or their phylogenetic ancestor) may have been carried to Africa by an Asia-to-Africa back migration in prehistoric times. Here, we describe six new mutations that define the relationships among the African R-P25(*) Y chromosomes and between these African chromosomes and earlier reported R-P25 Eurasian sub-lineages. The incorporation of these new mutations into a phylogeny of the R1b haplogroup led to the identification of a new clade (R1b1a or R-V88) encompassing all the African R-P25(*) and about half of the few European/west Asian R-P25(*) chromosomes. A worldwide phylogeographic analysis of the R1b haplogroup provided strong support to the Asia-to-Africa back-migration hypothesis. The analysis of the distribution of the R-V88 haplogroup in >1800 males from 69 African populations revealed a striking genetic contiguity between the Chadic-speaking peoples from the central Sahel and several other Afroasiatic-speaking groups from North Africa. The R-V88 coalescence time was estimated at 9.2-5.6 [corrected] kya, in the early mid Holocene. We suggest that R-V88 is a paternal genetic record of the proposed mid-Holocene migration of proto-Chadic Afroasiatic speakers through the Central Sahara into the Lake Chad Basin, and geomorphological evidence is consistent with this view.
    European journal of human genetics: EJHG 07/2010; 18(7):800-7. · 3.56 Impact Factor
  • Article: Reply to Lancaster.
    European journal of human genetics: EJHG 06/2010; · 3.56 Impact Factor
  • Article: Y-STR genetic diversity in Moroccans from the Figuig oasis.
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    ABSTRACT: Seventeen Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) (DYS392, DYS437, DYS448, GATAH4.1, DYS389II, DYS439, DYS635, DYS393, DYS438, DYS391, DYS389I, DYS390, DYS19, DYS458, DYS456 and DYS385a,b) were typed in DNA samples from 96 unrelated Moroccan men from the Figuig oasis. Fifty-two haplotypes were identified, of which 36 were unique. The overall haplotype diversity was 0.966, and the discrimination capacity was 0.542. Population comparisons with previously published data revealed significant genetic heterogeneity between the Figuig Moroccans and other North African populations. Results also showed that the minimal haplotype 11-30-13-10-13-25-15 (DYS392-DYS389II-DYS393-DYS391-DYS389I-DYS390-DYS19) was the most frequent haplotype observed in Figuig men.
    Forensic science international. Genetics 03/2010; 4(5):e139-41. · 2.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: The Mediterranean Sea as a barrier to gene flow: evidence from variation in and around the F7 and F12 genomic regions.
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    ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean has a long history of interactions among different peoples. In this study, we investigate the genetic relationships among thirteen population samples from the broader Mediterranean region together with three other groups from the Ivory Coast and Bolivia with a particular focus on the genetic structure between North Africa and South Europe. Analyses were carried out on a diverse set of neutral and functional polymorphisms located in and around the coagulation factor VII and XII genomic regions (F7 and F12). Principal component analysis revealed a significant clustering of the Mediterranean samples into North African and South European groups consistent with the results from the hierarchical AMOVA, which showed a low but significant differentiation between groups from the two shores. For the same range of geographic distances, populations from each side of the Mediterranean were found to differ genetically more than populations within the same side. To further investigate this differentiation, we carried out haplotype analyses, which provided partial evidence that sub-Saharan gene flow was higher towards North Africa than South Europe. As there is no consensus between the two genomic regions regarding gene flow through the Sahara, it is hard to reach a solid conclusion about its role in the differentiation between the two Mediterranean shores and more data are necessary to reach a definite conclusion. However our data suggest that the Mediterranean Sea was at least partially a barrier to gene flow between the two shores.
    BMC Evolutionary Biology 03/2010; 10:84. · 3.52 Impact Factor
  • Article: Different evolutionary histories of the coagulation factor VII gene in human populations?
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    ABSTRACT: Immoderate blood clotting constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in modern industrialised societies, but is believed to have conferred a survival advantage, i.e. faster recovery from bleeding, on our ancestors. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of the Coagulation Factor VII gene (F7) by analysing five cardiovascular-risk-associated mutations from the F7 promoter and nine neutral polymorphisms (six SNPs and three microsatellites) from the flanking region in 16 populations from the broader Mediterranean region, South Saharan Africa and Bolivia (687 individuals in total). Population differentiation and selection tests were performed and linkage disequilibrium patterns were investigated. In all samples, no linkage disequilibrium between adjacent F7 promoter mutations -402 and -401 was observed. No selection signals were detected in any of the samples from the broader Mediterranean region and South Saharan Africa, while some of the data suggested a potential signal of positive selection for the F7 promoter in the Native American samples from Bolivia. In conclusion, our data suggest, although do not prove, different evolutionary histories in the F7 promoter region between Mediterraneans and Amerindians.
    Annals of Human Genetics 01/2010; 74(1):34-45. · 2.57 Impact Factor
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    Article: Complete mitochondrial DNA sequences provide new insights into the Polynesian motif and the peopling of Madagascar.
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    ABSTRACT: More than a decade of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies have given the 'Polynesian motif' renowned status as a marker for tracing the late-Holocene expansion of Austronesian speaking populations. Despite considerable research on the Polynesian motif in Oceania, there has been little equivalent work on the western edge of its expansion - leaving major issues unresolved regarding the motif's evolutionary history. This has also led to considerable uncertainty regarding the settlement of Madagascar. In this study, we assess mtDNA variation in 266 individuals from three Malagasy ethnic groups: the Mikea, Vezo, and Merina. Complete mtDNA genome sequencing reveals a new variant of the Polynesian motif in Madagascar; two coding region mutations define a Malagasy-specific sub-branch. This newly defined 'Malagasy motif' occurs at high frequency in all three ethnic groups (13-50%), and its phylogenetic position, geographic distribution, and estimated age all support a recent origin, but without conclusively identifying a specific source region. Nevertheless, the haplotype's limited diversity, similar to those of other mtDNA haplogroups found in our Malagasy groups, best supports a small number of initial settlers arriving to Madagascar through the same migratory process. Finally, the discovery of this lineage provides a set of new polymorphic positions to help localize the Austronesian ancestors of the Malagasy, as well as uncover the origin and evolution of the Polynesian motif itself.
    European journal of human genetics: EJHG 12/2009; 18(5):575-81. · 3.56 Impact Factor
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    Article: Population relationships in the Mediterranean revealed by autosomal genetic data (Alu and Alu/STR compound systems).
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    ABSTRACT: The variation of 18 Alu polymorphisms and 3 linked STRs was determined in 1,831 individuals from 15 Mediterranean populations to analyze the relationships between human groups in this geographical region and provide a complementary perspective to information from studies based on uniparental markers. Patterns of population diversity revealed by the two kinds of markers examined were different from one another, likely in relation to their different mutation rates. Therefore, while the Alu biallelic variation underlies general heterogeneity throughout the whole Mediterranean region, the combined use of Alu and STR points to a considerable genetic differentiation between the two Mediterranean shores, presumably strengthened by a considerable sub-Saharan African genetic contribution in North Africa (around 13% calculated from Alu markers). Gene flow analysis confirms the permeability of the Sahara to human passage along with the existence of trans-Mediterranean interchanges. Two specific Alu/STR combinations-CD4 110(-) and DM 107(-)-detected in all North African samples, the Iberian Peninsula, Greece, Turkey, and some Mediterranean islands suggest an ancient genetic background of current Mediterranean peoples.
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology 11/2009; 141(3):430-9. · 2.82 Impact Factor
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    Article: Paleogenetical study of pre-Columbian samples from Pampa Grande (Salta, Argentina).
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    ABSTRACT: Ancient DNA recovered from 21 individuals excavated from burial sites in the Pampa Grande (PG) region (Salta province) of North-Western Argentina (NWA) was analyzed using various genetic markers (mitochondrial DNA, autosomal STRs, and Y chromosomal STRs). The results were compared to ancient and modern DNA from various populations in the Andean and North Argentinean regions, with the aim of establishing their relationships with PG. The mitochondrial haplogroup frequencies described (11% A, 47% B, and 42% D) presented values comparable to those found for the ancient Andean populations from Peru and San Pedro de Atacama. On the other hand, mitochondrial and Y chromosomal haplotypes were specific to PG, as they did not match any other of the South American populations studied. The described genetic diversity indicates homogeneity in the genetic structure of the ancient Andean populations, which was probably facilitated by the intense exchange network in the Andean zone, in particular among Tiwanaku, San Pedro de Atacama, and NWA. The discovery of haplotypes unique to PG could be due to a loss of genetic diversity caused by recent events affecting the autochthonous populations (establishment of the Inca Empire in the region, colonization by the Europeans).
    American Journal of Physical Anthropology 11/2009; 141(3):452-62. · 2.82 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2012
    • Boston Children's Hospital
      • Division of Genetics
      Boston, MA, USA
  • 2007–2012
    • Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse 3
      • Laboratoire d’Anthropobiologie Moléculaire et d’Imagerie de Synthèse
      Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees, France
  • 2003–2012
    • University of Barcelona
      • Departament de Biologia Animal
      Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
  • 2010
    • Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
      Lausanne, VD, Switzerland
  • 2007–2010
    • Sapienza University of Rome
      Roma, Latium, Italy
  • 2009
    • Université de Toulouse
      Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees, France
  • 2008
    • Institut de recherche pour le développement
      • 216 - Mothers and Child Facing Tropical Infections
      Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France
  • 2004–2007
    • French National Centre for Scientific Research
      Lyon, Rhone-Alpes, France